SCGA Senior Match Play Championship
Aug. 6-8, 2019 at Omni La Costa Resort (Champions)
The Senior Match Play Championship began in 2008 as a means of bringing new credence and incentive to the SCGA Senior points list. The SCGA senior points program awards points to golfers who give strong performances in SCGA, USGA, CGA and other selected outside tournaments. This championship field consists of 32 players in single elimination match play. Up to 24 players earn automatic invitations to compete from the Exemption List. The remaining spots into the field are filled through a one day qualifier. Senior Match Play qualifying is open to members 55 and older with a Handicap Index of 10.4 and below and must be current members of the SCGA at the time of registration.
Craig Steinberg Adds To SCGA Legacy
The SCGA Senior Match Play Championship pitted two decorated SCGA veterans against one another in a battle at Bear Creek GC in Murrieta.
Craig Steinberg, a four-time SCGA Amateur Champion, SCGA Mid-Amateur Champion and SCGA Public Links Champion, clawed out two straight 1up victories before a 2&1 triumph over Daniel Sivadge to earn his spot in the final.
Robert Funk, the low amateur at the 2017 U.S. Senior Open and member at Bear Creek GC, took out defending champion Craig Davis in the semifinals 6&5, setting up the final head-to-head matchup.
Steinberg, a member at North Ranch CC, jumped out to a 2up lead after three holes and looked to be in full command. Funk couldn’t get the putter going on the front nine and found himself in a 3down hole after eight holes.
On the par-5 ninth, Funk left an eagle chip 25 feet short of the pin, leaving himself an uphill swinger. Fresh from the British Senior Amateur, Funk rolled in the remarkable birdie, crawling back to within two at the turn.
Steinberg hit a wayward tee shot on the par-4 10th, leading to a bogey and another lost hole. Just when the wheels began to wobble, Steinberg turned on the jets. He birdied No. 11 and No. 12, draining 25 feet of putts. Steinberg added another birdie on the par-5 No. 14, essentially putting the match of reach. A par at No. 15 sealed the deal and earned Steinberg his first SCGA senior championship.
Past Winners
| Year | Winner | Site |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 |
Craig Steinberg |
Bear Creek GC |
| 2017 |
Craig Davis |
Sandpiper GC |
| 2016 |
Craig Calkins |
Coto de Caza G&RC |
| 2015 |
James Camaione |
Valencia CC |
| 2014 |
David Delich |
Red Hill CC |
| 2013 |
Dan Pouliot |
Annandale CC |
| 2012 |
Greg Hetzer |
Sandpiper GC |
| 2011 | Howie Knodt | Sandpiper GC |
| 2010 | Brad Larsen | Sandpiper GC |
| 2009 | Howie Knodt | Sandpiper GC |
| 2008 | Boyd Martin | Sandpiper GC |